Injured Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki continues to make significant progress in his rehabilitation from a fractured rib, saying Thursday that there is a possibility he could return to the Colorado lineup before the all-star break.

If that were the case, Tulowitzki would also be able to play for the National League in the All-Star Game on July 16 in New York. Tulowitzki is the leading vote-getter at shortstop with more than 4 million votes.Tulowitzki took live batting practice for the first time Thursday before the Rockies' game with the Dodgers. And although he swung relatively lightly, he still managed to hit three balls into the left-field bleachers at Coors Field.

Asked it the is a chance he could rejoin the Rockies before the break, Tulo said: "It's a possibility. But my main focus right now is getting back for the Rockies. I'm not down-playing the All-Star Game, and I would love to participate in it. If the time is right and it fits in my schedule I would love to play. If I win the fan vote, but couldn't play, I probably would attend."

The Rockies have 11 games before the all-star break, including Thursday's last home game until July 19. When Tulowitzki returns, he likely would need to play in a couple of minor-league rehab starts to get tuned up.